As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, the European Union (EU) faces growing scrutiny and mounting threats. Key powers within the bloc and the United Kingdom have called for adherence to international law and condemned the Iranian government, yet they have so far failed to articulate a common approach, appearing divided, sidelined, and ineffective as a major crisis unfolds in the Middle East with potential ramifications for Europe and the world.
Iran's drone attack on Cyprus—an EU territory—and ongoing strikes on assets in Gulf countries are forcing Europe to reconsider its position. Experts note that European powers are adopting a defensive strategy rather than engaging militarily. Cornelius Adebahr, Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), stated that EU member states and the UK are united in taking defensive measures if a European country is attacked and in assisting Gulf nations, but they disagree on the Trump administration's war goals and the extent of support for US action against Iran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump expects "all of our European allies" to back the US and Israel's war against Iran. She claimed the goal was to "crush the rogue Iranian regime that not only threatens America, but also threatens our European allies." This followed Trump's frustration over delayed European support, with him criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for expressing doubts about "regime change from the skies" and the war's legality.
The UK, though not part of the EU, is a key member of the European Three (E3) alongside France and Germany—co-signatories of the US-Iran nuclear deal and architects of the EU's joint Iran policy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz received praise from Trump during a White House visit for siding on getting rid of a "terrible" regime and allowing US forces to use Ramstein Air Base. France authorized a temporary presence of American aircraft at its bases only after securing guarantees they would not be used for attacks against Iran.
The Iranian drone attack on a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus has alarmed Europeans, prompting Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and France to send naval vessels in support. Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute, suggested that Tehran appears intent on expanding the war not only into Persian Gulf states but also into Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described Iran as "an exporter of chaos" and a threat to both Israel and Europe, with additional concerns including a steep hike in energy prices and potential migration from Iran via Turkey.
Source: www.dw.com